An 18-year-old man who killed his mother with a hammer has been sentenced at Mold Crown Court.

Tristan Roberts planned the crime in the weeks leading up to the murder, researching information on methods of killing, and purchasing potential weapons such as knives and an axe.

He started attacking his mother, 45-year-old Angela Shellis, at their home in Prestatyn, late in the evening of 23 October 2025. He then persuaded her to leave the house, telling her he would take her for medical help.

The two walked through Prestatyn Nature Reserve where he took a hammer from his rucksack and then killed his mother by hitting her multiple times to the head.

Digital evidence was recovered from Roberts’ laptop which showed, along with the planning he had undertaken, that he had researched how to remove traces of blood and DNA.

Andrew Slight of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The level of planning Tristan Roberts did ahead of committing this shocking crime was elaborate and calculated.

“His mother’s final moments must have been terrifying, yet he showed no concern or remorse for his actions.

“The strong evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service painted a clear picture, showing Roberts’ intentions, resulting in his guilty plea.

“Although this case has concluded, our thoughts remain with the family and friends who still feel the terrible loss of Angela.”

Tristan Roberts was sentenced on 25 March 2026 to life imprisonment and was ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years and six months.